As we learn how to change our lives to become social-distance friendly, seeking online counseling offers benefits that outweighface-to-face therapy. Social distancing regulations forced businesses to close down, including some therapy clinics. Unfortunately, the need for mental health therapy is vital now more than ever. The novel coronavirus has impacted not only the physical health of patients but also psychological health. Studies show how social isolation, fear of contracting the virus, and financial burdens affect all population groups worldwide. Some of these symptoms include anxiety, depression, and panic. The benefits of teletherapy are innumerable and applicable to all population groups.

1. Cost-Effective

A 2018 study shows that financial burden is the number one reason most people fighting depression, do not seek therapy. Mental health therapy is costly; however,online counseling services offer capabilities to quickly and preciselyevaluate patients – reducing the cost of services. Some of these capabilities include automated evaluation through imaging, acoustic, and sensory analysis. These analysis methods collect data from examining facial expressions, vocal sounds, and vital signs,creating automated assessments for physicians. These technological advances are cost-effective for providers and patients as it reduces time and labor costs. Physicians are also able to provide lower charges with teletherapy counseling because it demands less office space. Overall, the operating expense for online therapy is significantly resulting in lower costs for patients.

2. Reduced Transportation

Another reason why patients avoid counseling is having no means of transportation —young adults with no cars and the elderly who cannot drive experience this problem.College students experience many mental health issues due to academics, substance abuse, or bullying. However, college students living on campus often do not have cars and are restricted to their school's services.With teletherapy, students can talk to a therapist over the phone without worrying about the added costs of transportation.

3. Available to the Physically Impaired

Patients with physical impairments and disabilities, such as the elderly, also have a difficult time getting to a clinic. In addition to finding transportation, finding a caretaker to assist you in your therapy center is tooinconvenient.Mental health also affects those who have a reduced quality of life due to injuries, paralysis, and trauma. Some patients are also on bed arrest, and in these cases, e-counseling servicesare the only available and best therapy for anxiety and depression.

4. Elimination of fear and embarrassment

Confidentiality is a concern among patients receiving mental health services. Some patients feel embarrassed and do not want others to know about their mental illness. Phone therapy eliminates the embarrassment that many feel walking into a clinic. Many patients who face anxiety and panic attacks might also be more relaxed video counseling at home, resulting in a more effective counseling session.

5. Greater Access

The decision to obtain medical services like psychiatry therapy is mainly dependent on insurance coverage. A CDC statistical study shows how many adults went to a mental health professional based on insurance coverage and age group in 2012.

In all age groups, there are twice as many insured patients as uninsured patients.Teletherapy gives patients more access to finding counseling services around the US online. Having anample selection of counseling therapists, finding one that provides you insurance coverage will be quicker. Besides insurance coverage, psychotherapy is most effective when patients feel comfortable with their counselor. It is not easy to find a therapist who is a good fit for the patient. With online counseling services, patients can find a counselorbeyond theirradius. Phone therapy is also great for patients living in remote areas – having to drive far to the nearest facility.

6. Flexibility

As mentioned before, phone therapy reduces the time for physicians spent on evaluating patients. This extra time can account for scheduling more appointments. With a reduced commute time, both patients and physicians will have more time on hands to attend sessions. Tele counseling also offers flexibility to patients who are not ready to talk to a therapist. Counseling sessions can be asynchronous, meaning messaging a therapist is available to them at all times. Anxiety creeps up at unexpected times, and a widely available messaging service is best for patients seeking anxiety help onlineat any place and time.